Donald Trump assures that the United States is prepared to wage war with Iran for a long time. However, after just a few days of military operations, there are voices in the president's entourage to consider withdrawing from the conflict. The war with Iran is causing concern among Trump's advisers.
They fear the political consequences of a prolonged military operation without a clear goal and with limited public support. The situation is complicated by the growing number of victims, chaos on the stock exchange and rising fuel prices, which may negatively affect the ratings of the Republican Party before the Congressional elections.
What are the concerns of Trump's associates about war with Iran?
How many American casualties in the war with Iran have been recorded so far?
What are Trump's goals in terms of attacking Iran?
What does the 'Venezuela variant' mean in the Trump administration?
Panic among Donald Trump's associates. The reason was the attack on Iran
The president's advisers emphasize that the decision to attack Iran carries serious political risk, and the consequences may be difficult to predict. After the first days of fighting, the number of American casualties reached six, and officials predict that this number may increase. The administration lacks a coherent narrative regarding the reasons for starting the war and plans for the future. Trump initially presented the attack on Iran as a success and proof of the strength of the US military, pointing to the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the destruction of key targets related to the Iranian nuclear program.
According to CNN, despite the president's initial enthusiasm, some of his close associates are urging him to declare victory and end military operations as soon as possible.
Nobody thinks this war is popular
— said Matthew Bartlett, a Republican Party strategist and former Trump State Department official, quoted by CNN.
At best, it distracts attention from the problems in the economy. But at worst it could be a political disaster, and for Iran and the Republican Party, a generational disaster
– he added.
Polls show little support for war with Iran, and voters do not understand its goals. The conflict has also caused divisions among supporters of the MAGA movement, who remember Trump's 2016 pledge not to engage the U.S. in costly wars in the Middle East.
There are hopes among the president's advisers and allies for a quick end to military operations and a focus on domestic affairs. They are counting on a scenario that would allow the US to withdraw from the region after Iran's offensive and political capabilities are weakened. The administration calls this variant the “Venezuelan variant,” referring to an earlier operation against the Venezuelan leader.
